Job 17
1 My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves [are ready] for me.
My spirit will be wasted, my days will be shortened, and only the grave will be left for me.
2 [Are there] not mockers with me? and doth not my eye continue in their provocation?
I have not sinned, yet my eye remains in bitterness.
3 Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who [is] he [that] will strike hands with me?
Free me, O Lord, and set me beside you, and let the hand of anyone you wish fight against me.
4 For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt [them].
You have set their heart far from discipline; therefore, they will not be praised.
5 He that speaketh flattery to [his] friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
He promises prey to his companions, but the eyes of his sons will grow faint.
6 He hath made me also a by-word of the people; and in former time I was as a tabret.
He has posted me like a proverb to the people, and I am an example in their presence.
7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members [are] as a shade.
My eyesight has been clouded by indignation, and my limbs have been reduced, as if to nothing.
8 Upright [men] shall be astonished at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite.
The just will be astounded over this, and the innocent will be stirred up against the hypocrite.
9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
And the just will cling to his way, and clean hands will increase strength.
10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find [one] wise [man] among you.
Therefore, be converted, all of you, and approach, for I do not find in you any wisdom.
11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, [even] the thoughts of my heart.
My days have passed away; my thoughts have been scattered, tormenting my heart.
12 They change the night into day: the light [is] short because of darkness.
They have turned night into day, and I hope for light again after the darkness.
If I should wait, the underworld is my house, and in darkness I have spread out my bed. (Sheol h7585)
14 I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.
I have said to decay and to worms: “You are my father, my mother, and my sister.”
15 And where [is] now my hope? as for my hope, who will see it?
Therefore, where is my expectation now, and who is it that considers my patience?
